COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY, GLOBAL CAMPUS NEW DEGREE PROGRAMS

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1 Page 1 of 5 TOPIC: PREPARED BY: COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY, GLOBAL CAMPUS NEW DEGREE PROGRAMS MARGOT PLOTZ I. SUMMARY This agenda items requests approval of seven new degree programs at Colorado State University, Global Campus (CSU-G). Below is the list of programs recommended for approval: Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration and Management Master of Healthcare Administration and Management Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Professional Studies Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Master of Criminal Justice Bachelor of Science in Accounting Bachelor of Science in Communication II. BACKGROUND In September 2009, CSU-G submitted an application to the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC) to begin the process of accreditation. On July 8, 2010, the Colorado Commission on Higher Education (CCHE) approved CSU-G to offer its current degree programs, under the accreditation of CSU-Ft. Collins and CSU-Pueblo, for the purpose of qualifying CSU-G for independent institutional accreditation. On December 8, 2010, the Colorado State University System s Board of Governors approved the programs mentioned above to be offered by CSU-G. In October of 2010, CSU-G hosted HLC for a comprehensive site visit for purposes of establishing the institution s Initial Candidacy with the accrediting agency. In January 2011, the HLC review team endorsed the site visit report, which highlighted unique aspects of CSU-G such as the institution s use of representative from the other CSU institutions on its internal governance committees. These representatives from CSU-Ft. Collins and CSU-Pueblo agreed to continue to participate in the development of academic programs at CSU-G after it attains full independent accreditation. In addition, the Colorado State University System Board of Governors monitors the new university closely to be sure that enrollment and revenues continue to meet expectations. At its June 23, 2011 meeting, HLC voted to grant independent accreditation status to CSU-G, contingent on CSU-G s successfully graduating its first class of students, which happened on June 30, CSU-G provided evidence of this to HLC, and on July 19, 2011 HLC officially

2 Page 2 of 5 approved CSU-G for independent accreditation status. The final step is for the CCHE to review and take action on the CSU-G programs. Department staff have determined that the programs proposed by CSU-G fit within the institution s statutory role and mission: ROLE AND MISSION There is hereby established an online university to be known as Colorado state university - global campus. The university shall be under the general control and supervision of the board of governors of the Colorado state university system. Colorado state university - global campus shall be a baccalaureate and graduate online university with the mission in Colorado of offering upper division baccalaureate degree-completion programs for nontraditional students in partnership with the Colorado community college system and selected master-level graduate programs. The university shall comply with all applicable state statutes, rules, and regulations. C.R.S III. STAFF ANALYSIS The following has been summarized from CSU-G s proposals: Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration and Management The B.S. in Healthcare Administration and Management (BSHAM) program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to effectively and efficiently build foundational business skills in management, marketing, human resources, communication, decision-making, and finance. Additionally, students gain an increased understanding and knowledge of quality healthcare systems in areas of quality assurance, risk management, managed care, insurance, health care laws and regulations, ethics, and other information and practices important to managing within a healthcare environment. This proposed program consists of 20 core courses required of all students within the degree plan. In total, a minimum of 60 semester hours are required for this specific degree in addition to the general education credit hours and the elective credit hours which equal the 120 credit hour limit. Master of Healthcare Administration and Management The Master of Healthcare Administration & Management degree program (MHAM) is designed to prepare students for a wide variety of leadership roles within the healthcare industry. The program incorporates leadership skills, knowledge, analytical abilities, global perspective, and management tools needed to effectively and efficiently lead and manage healthcare organizations. Students gain an increased understanding and awareness of the policies, laws, politics, problems, and issues that

3 Page 3 of 5 face the healthcare industry. Graduates of the program are prepared for administrative and management positions in private and public healthcare organizations. This proposed program consists of 12 core courses (36 semester hours) required of all students within the degree plan. Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice The B.S. in Criminal Justice (BSCJ) will provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to work in the field of law enforcement, parole, community corrections, and security sectors. Faculty and administration have evaluated the competitive positioning in the System and marketplace and have determined that there is a niche market to be served by CSU-Global Campus. This proposed program consists of 15 core courses required of all students within the degree plan. In total, a minimum of 45 semester hours within the major are required in addition to the general education credit hours and the elective credit hours which equal the 120 credit hour limit. Master of Criminal Justice The CSU-Global Campus MCJ program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to advance professionally into leadership and management roles in criminal justice organizations. Additionally, students gain an advanced understanding and knowledge of trends and best practices in the management of criminal justice organizations including, but not limited to, law enforcement, corrections, court, and community-based justice delivery systems. This proposed program consists of 12 core courses required of all students within the degree plan. In total, a minimum of 36 semester hours are required. Bachelor of Science in Accounting The B.S. in Accounting (BSAC) will provide students with the basics of accounting frameworks and principles needed for entrance and growth in the accounting field. Students will acquire the knowledge and skills needed to successfully contribute to an organization from an accounting perspective as they gain accounting fundamentals, and a holistic view of organization management including legal compliance and ethics, finance, marketing, leadership, economics, and quantitative decision-making. Upon completion of the B.S. Degree in Accounting, students in the State of Colorado will have obtained approximately 54 credit hours in accounting and business courses towards the 150 credit hours needed for CPA exam candidacy as of January 1, In addition to these 60 credit hours students must also complete the necessary general education credit hours and the elective credit hours which equal the 120 credit hour limit.

4 Page 4 of 5 Bachelor of Science in Communication The B.S. in Communication (BSC) will provide students with the knowledge required to successfully fill organizational training and human communication positions. Capabilities will include ethical and critical thinking skills necessary for today s global society. The multidisciplinary curriculum covers oral and written communication, mass communications and new media, public relations, technical writing, and the leadership and management skills needed for successful organizational contribution. The program is well-suited for those in or who aspire to leadership or management positions, and for those who desire to excel in positions responsible for organizational communications. This proposed program consists of ten core courses required of all students within the degree plan, plus an additional five courses according to student need, interest, or specialization. In total, a minimum of 45 semester hours within the major and specialization are required in addition to the general education credit hours and the elective credit hours which equal the 120 credit hour limit. Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Professional Studies As our world becomes increasingly interdependent, employers seek individuals with specific cross cultural knowledge and understanding in the areas of business, technology, and innovation. The program requirements include combining three areas of study to create a custom academic program. The core requirements emphasize effective communication, quantitative skills, global awareness, social responsibility, technology, critical thinking skills, business skills, strategic innovation and a commitment to lifelong learning. This proposed program consists of ten core courses required of all students within the degree plan, plus an additional five courses according to student need, interest, or specialization. In total, a minimum of 45 semester hours within the major and specialization are required in addition to the general education credit hours and the elective credit hours which equal the 120 credit hour limit. Department staff has reviewed the above mentioned programs to ensure that they meet the State s performance measures outlined in C.R.S (6)(b) and the credit hour requirement outlined in C.R.S Department staff determined that these programs comply with the Colorado State University, Global Campus role and mission. IV. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the Commission approve Colorado State University, Global Campus degree programs described in Section III of this agenda item.

5 Page 5 of 5 STATUTORY AUTHORITY C.R.S (6) (b) Need not consult with nor obtain approval from the Colorado commission on higher education to create modify, or eliminate academic and vocational programs offered by the institution, so long as such creations, modifications, and eliminations are consistent with the institution s statutory role and mission. Institutions shall submit information to the department demonstrating that the creation or modification of an academic or career and technical education program is consistent with the institution s statutory role and mission. The Colorado commission on higher education shall have the authority to override the creation or modification of an academic or vocational program if the change made by the governing board is inconsistent with the institution's statutory role and mission. C.R.S (2) The commission shall establish a standard of a one-hundred-twenty-hour baccalaureate degree, not including specific professional degree programs that have additional degree requirements recognized by the commission..